Armenian deputies today passed the bill "On alternative service" in the second reading. According to the document, those citizens of Armenia, to whose religious beliefs the service in army with bearing arms is contradictory, can pass alternative service. The term of alternative service is 3 years (as different from the service for a fixed period of 2 years in the Armed Forces of Armenia). In case the law is confirmed, it will acquire force in July 2004. It should be noted that the passing of the law "On alternative service" is one of Armenia's commitments to the Council of Europe.